Costa Rica’s premier national park tours operate out of Quepos, the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. The most worthwhile tours combine comfortable transport with expert naturalist guides who know exactly where to spot wildlife.
My top picks include the morning walks through Manuel Antonio (fewer crowds, more active wildlife) and the bird-watching excursions to nearby Carara National Park.
What makes these tours special? Small groups (usually 8 or fewer), high-quality spotting scopes for wildlife viewing, and guides who actually help you understand the rainforest ecosystem rather than just pointing at monkeys.
The best operators provide air-conditioned vans and can accommodate mobility needs.
For families and first-timers, I recommend the half-day Manuel Antonio tours – you’ll see plenty of sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds while learning about the park’s unique environment.
More serious nature enthusiasts should consider the full-day combination tours reaching multiple parks.
Let’s explore the top-rated park tours in Quepos:
Key Points
- The Manuel Antonio National Park tour offers a 2-mile hike through the lush rainforest with opportunities to spot sloths, monkeys, and vibrant birds.
- The tour includes park admission, snacks, and round-trip transport, with a maximum of 12 participants for an intimate experience.
- The Carara National Park birdwatching tour provides a licensed guide and lunch, showcasing the diverse bird species in the region.
- The tours offer accessibility options, including wheelchair and stroller-friendly afternoon tours, as well as private tours for a more personalized experience.
- Consistently high ratings and positive traveler feedback highlight the quality and expertise of the guides across the different national parks tours in Quepos.
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour From Uvita
The Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from Uvita offers visitors a chance to explore one of Costa Rica’s most renowned natural wonders.
The half-day guided tour includes a leisurely 2-mile hike through lush rainforest, leading to a beautiful beach. Along the way, travelers can spot sloths, monkeys, and vibrant birds with the help of high-quality telescopes and insightful commentary from the professional guide.
The tour includes park admission, snacks, and round-trip transportation from central Quepos. With a minimum of 4 people per booking and a maximum of 12, this tour is both intimate and affordable, at $109.67 per person.
It’s no surprise that 100% of previous travelers recommend this highly-rated experience.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour From Uvita Review
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Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
Visitors to Quepos can embark on a thrilling Manuel Antonio National Park tour, which offers a chance to enjoy one of Costa Rica’s most renowned natural wonders.
The tour boasts an impressive 81 reviews, all with a 100% recommendation from travelers, earning it a prestigious Badge of Excellence. At $28.50 per person, plus the park entrance fee, the tour provides a comprehensive experience, including a bilingual guide, spotting scope, and opportunities for smartphone photography.
With a maximum of 10 travelers per group, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized exploration of the park’s diverse wildlife, from playful monkeys to majestic sloths.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour Review
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Manuel Antonio National Park Afternoon Wildlife Experience
This guided afternoon tour offers visitors an immersive experience in Costa Rica’s renowned Manuel Antonio National Park.
Travelers will explore the park with a nature expert, learning about the diverse local wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and lizards. The tour includes the use of spotting scopes for optimal wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Concluding at the park’s beach, the experience provides a well-rounded introduction to this stunning natural wonder. With an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks, and alcoholic beverages included, the tour ensures a comfortable and enjoyable outing.
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as proximity to public transportation, make this tour accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park Afternoon Wildlife Experience Review
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Half Day Guided Hiking at Manuel Antonio National Park
For those seeking a more immersive experience in Manuel Antonio National Park, the Half Day Guided Hiking tour offers an opportunity to explore the park’s trails and discover its abundant wildlife.
Recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour is led by an official licensed guide who enhances the experience with insights on the local flora and fauna.
With a maximum of 8 travelers per group, participants can expect to see sloths, monkeys, birds, and iguanas up close.
The tour’s badge of excellence and 5.0 overall rating from 31 reviews attest to its quality and the guide’s expertise.
Accessible by public transportation, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Quepos.
Read our full review: Half Day Guided Hiking at Manuel Antonio National Park Review
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Manuel Antonio National Park Tour From San Jose.
Travelers seeking to enjoy Costa Rica’s diverse natural wonders can embark on the Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San Jose.
This private tour combines beach and jungle, offering a unique opportunity to explore the country’s tropical landscapes. Guests will hike through the national park, spot wildlife, and enjoy the stunning Pacific coast views.
The tour also includes stops at coastal towns, allowing for engagement with the local Tico culture. With private transportation, meals, and all fees covered, this tour provides a tailored and hassle-free experience.
Suitable for travelers of all ages and ability levels, this tour is an excellent choice for those eager to discover Manuel Antonio’s natural beauty.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour From San Jose. Review
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Carara National Park Birdwatching Private Guided Tour Experience.
Visitors to Quepos can embark on a private guided birdwatching tour of Carara National Park, an exceptional experience for nature enthusiasts.
For $295, the tour includes a licensed guide, a high-quality Swarovski scope, and a typical Costa Rican lunch. Groups of at least 2 people are picked up as early as 4:30 am, and the tour is private, ensuring a personalized experience.
While not recommended for those with mobility issues, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Participants should bring their own binoculars and wear neutral-colored clothing.
Though sightings aren’t guaranteed, the park is home to diverse bird species, making it a must-visit for avid birdwatchers.
Read our full review: Carara National Park Birdwatching Private Guided Tour Experience. Review
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Guided Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park
The Manuel Antonio National Park tour offers an engaging glimpse into Costa Rica’s renowned natural wonders. Recommended by 91% of travelers, this guided visit is led by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, providing guests with optical gear to enhance their experience.
The tour includes private transportation, National Park entrance fees, and a maximum group size of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and accessible adventure.
While the tour has received mixed reviews, with some customers reporting issues like a no-show guide, the host has addressed these concerns.
Travelers can secure their spot with a reserve now, pay later option, with a lowest price guarantee of $98.75, making this tour a compelling choice for exploring the beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Read our full review: Guided Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park Review
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Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Walk
Embarking on a nature walk through the lush landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy Costa Rica’s renowned biodiversity.
Guests can join this excursion led by a professional guide, provided by the reputable Costa Rica Groups Travel Company. The tour includes national park fees, air-conditioned transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
With a maximum of 40 participants, the group size ensures a personalized experience. The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-bound travelers, and infants are welcome.
Reviewers have consistently praised this nature walk, awarding it a perfect 5-star rating across various platforms.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Walk Review
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The Sum Up
Quepos offers a range of national park tours, from the popular Manuel Antonio National Park to the birdwatcher’s paradise of Carara National Park. Visitors can choose from guided hikes, wildlife experiences, and customized tours to suit their interests and explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural landscapes. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to discover the country’s diverse flora and fauna and create unforgettable memories.